Newcastle man charged with murder of baby in his care

A Newcastle man has been charged with the murder of a baby who died from a “traumatic head injury” over the weekend.

Jie Smith, 28, has been charged with murder over the death of a baby in his care.

A Newcastle man has been charged over the murder of a baby who sustained a “traumatic head injury” in his care and died the next day.

Jie William Smith, 28, appeared in Wyong Court today to face charges of murder and reckless grievous bodily harm, after the six-month-old boy died on Sunday. He was refused bail to appear in Newcastle Local Court in May.

Emergency services were called to a home on Fairfield Avenue in New Lambton, west of Newcastle, following reports a child had gone into cardiac arrest on Saturday.

The child was taken to John Hunter Hospital in a critical condition. Despite the efforts of hospital staff, the boy died, a NSW Police statement issued today read.

Detectives from the Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad and Newcastle City Police District, assisted by the Homicide Squad, established Strike Force Wandearah to investigate the circumstances surrounding the child’s death.

Jie Smith, 28, has been charged with murder over the death of a baby in his care.

Jie Smith appeared in court today.

A post mortem examination determined the child died as a result of a traumatic head injury, according to police.

Mr Smith was arrested in Budgewoi on the NSW Central Coast about 12.20pm on Wednesday and charged at Wyong Police station later that day.

Investigations are continuing.

Anyone with concerns about suspected child abuse or exploitation should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page.